Love it. I find this so useful. The goalkeeping training for my young un is so individual driven at the moment that I feel this sort of stuff is missing.
Ngl con as helpful as this is, it's very hard to cheer up your teammates when behind But, I've found a way around this. To anyone who's reading, focus on the moments when you saved your team the most and they applauded your effort You'll feel much better that way and more confident. Helps a lot
Definitely, and you can do the same for them. Keep encouraging them, and praising them when they do things well, whatever the score. It's much more likely that they will work hard for you if you are supportive!
Just discovered you Conor as I search for tips and training for my 10 year old lad who is currently looking for a new start following the folding of his grassroots team. While he's only 10 he really loves being a keeper and "owns it" but is really hoping to develop and grow. Fingers crossed we can use your content over the summer to come back and find something for him. I note that you started your career over-seas and have now found yourself something back home. Would you say that playing is the key for keepers, no matter where or what the standard (I know it's only youth football I'm talking about but he loves it). Thank you for the really inspirational, detaiiled but east to follow content. #gkunion
Thank you so much for the comment, and please pass my best onto your son! Yes, especially at a young age, it’s important to play the game, and enjoy playing! That’s where you will get the most benefit and growth, and enjoying it is always the most important thing! Then you can always build the training element up as you get older!
Great video. Really useful. Can be such a challenge to keep talking when you know you're annoying defenders at the end of the game, they're knackered from running and you're telling them to close down quicker 🤣. There's a great video of Mat Ryan playing for Arsenal where he uses key phrases in different languages for his defenders who's first language isn't English. Nice touch I thought.
Agreed, but you might be able to help them to get that last ounce of energy out! Yes, I love that video, brilliant to see & such a smart GK to be able to use different languages
I like the start you have made! I always look for signed gloves and boots that tell a story to add to the wall! Maybe a picture collage of your journey, starting maybe when you were a kid or from Loughborough, through to now. Pictures of yourself in all your kits for memory on how far you have come etc.
Also, I’m 33, I’ve only ever played as a keeper and not to be immodest, but I feel as though I was good. I haven’t played for a bit now, but realise I might only have a few years left where I can be good and my idea was to try to find a Sunday league team to try and win as much as possible until I can’t play anymore. The problem is I have been using Facebook Sunday league groups to try to find another team, but someone on there said “stop playing” to I’ve of my posts stating my age and the fact I am looking for a team. This significantly affected my confidence and whether I should be looking for a team. At 33, should I stop playing Sunday league or should I ignore the tw*t that told me to stop? Love the vids Con! 👍🏻🤙🏻
Wilson you should only stop playing when you decide it’s time to stop playing. If I was you, I’d try and get involved with a team as a training keeper. This is where initially you go along and only take part in training with no expectation of playing, this way you’re getting the benefit of playing again, and the team will have the benefit of having an additional keeper for training if needed. This could lead to opportunities further down the line where either the team needs you, or you can say to other teams I’ve been training with x team for a while so they know you’ve had some time involved in football again. It can also be a case where managers and players talk to other teams about players and maybe they’ll mention you to other teams if they’re also looking for keepers. Good luck with getting back into mate
I think you know the answer to that one! If we listened to those negative voices - internal or external - life wouldn't be any fun at all. Do what you enjoy & do it to the best of your ability!
This is great. How was it with your communication in Sweden and especially Spain? Did you say everything in English or did you learn the phrases in the given language? And do you have any tips on communication in a foreign country? I am playing in Portugal. Thanks
I learnt the phrases in the language! It was slightly easier in Sweden as they had a good understanding of English, so if there was a phrase that I didn't know, I could get away with using the English. But in Spain, it was all Spanish! You have to take the time to research & learn the phrases, maybe ask your GK coach or teammates. And then the more you use them the easier it is to remember!
Sometimes, but normally I go with a scoop without putting the knee down - I find it helps in allowing me to adapt if the ball changes direction on the bounce!
